Will Power made a successful return to the cockpit in a private test at Sebring this week, five months after suffering a broken back.

The 29-year-old Australian's 2009 season came to a premature end when he slammed into Nelson Philippe's stranded car during practice at Sears Point last August.

While sidelined, he completed a deal to stay on at Penske for a full-time programme in a third car this year, and the private session at Sebring on Monday marked his return to the cockpit following his recovery.

"I'm not sore at all," said Power. "While I was on my back I was having a good think about it - although it ended badly last year, it was a great season for me. I ended up with a full-time ride with one of the best teams in IndyCar, and I'm really ready to come back."

Power was initially signed by Penske as a stop-gap substitute while Helio Castroneves was in court on tax evasion charges last year. Following the Brazilian's exoneration and return to racing, Power was kept on for a partial programme with Penske and took his first IndyCar Series win at Edmonton.